Shannondoc is urging those in need of GP out of hours services to remain patient ahead of a busy Christmas period.
The GP co-op says it’s expecting a significant increase in activity over the coming week and a half.
ShannonDoc typically deals with around 2,500 patients every week, but it’s expecting that number to double over the Christmas period, when GP practices will be closed for public holidays and weekends.
From today until January 3rd, phones and clinics at its centres in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary will be manned for 238 hours, or 83% of the time over the Christmas period.
The GP co-op says they’ve brought in additional resources to deal with the high patient volumes, but even with these measures, patient numbers are expected to be significantly higher than normal levels.
ShannonDoc says that anyone who needs to be seen, will be seen, and more urgent cases will be prioritised.
People are being advised to visit your own GP during normal operating times for routine matters, but to contact the out of hours service for urgent, non-emergency care issues.
Patients are being advised that ShannonDoc is not a walk-in service and that they should not present at a centre without an appointment.
This can be arranged by phoning 0818 123 500 or by visiting their website shannondoc.ie
